ITV has made the quiet decision to shelve the police drama Ridley, starring acclaimed actor Adrian Dunbar, after two successful series. The network confirmed through a spokesperson that there are currently no plans to bring the show back for a third installment, despite its positive reception and solid performance in both the UK and international markets.
The Rise and Quiet End of Ridley
Ridley first debuted on ITV in 2022, created by Paul Matthew Thompson, the talented writer also responsible for the long-running crime drama Vera. The series followed the compelling story of DI Alex Ridley, a widowed homicide officer who faced forced redundancy following a significant mental breakdown. His professional turmoil was compounded when his replacement on the force turned out to be his former protégée, Carol Farman, portrayed by Bronagh Waugh.
Despite his retirement status, Ridley found himself drawn back into police work when Acting DI Farman enlisted his help with a particularly complex murder investigation. This narrative device allowed the character to return to what he knew best, while also exploring his personal life as a co-owner and performer at a jazz club, where each episode concluded with him singing.
Strong Performance and Cast Hopes
The drama boasted an impressive ensemble cast and achieved good ratings, particularly after it aired in the United States. Adrian Dunbar, now 67, had previously expressed his desire for the series to continue, noting its strong performance numbers in America and support from PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service that helped finance the production.
Dunbar stated: "The programme did very good numbers when it was shown in America and I know that PBS, who part-financed Ridley, would like us to film another series. There's definitely more to be said about Alex Ridley, his troubled life and the team of detectives with whom he works, and I would love to film more."
Series two expanded the narrative with Ridley investigating a jewellery heist that escalated into a murder case, demonstrating the show's ability to blend procedural elements with character-driven storytelling.
ITV's Official Position and Gratitude
An ITV spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "There are currently no plans to return to Ridley. We'd like to extend our thanks to creator and writer Paul Matthew Thompson, executive producer Jonathan Fisher and the team at West Road Pictures for producing two successful series."
This statement confirms the network's decision to conclude the drama after its second series, despite the creative team's apparent enthusiasm for continuing the storylines and character development.
Dunbar's Return in Line of Duty
While viewers will miss the character of Alex Ridley, Adrian Dunbar fans will soon see him return to screens in another iconic role. Line of Duty, Jed Mercurio's hit police thriller, is officially set to return for a seventh series, with Dunbar reprising his role as Superintendent Ted Hastings.
The sixth series finale of Line of Duty in 2021 achieved remarkable viewing figures, becoming the biggest drama episode since modern records began in 2002, with 17 million viewers recorded after 28 days. However, that season's controversial ending, which revealed bumbling Det Supt Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) as the shadowy criminal mastermind "H," left some fans disappointed.
The new six-part series aims to win back viewers with fresh storylines, starting filming in Belfast in the coming spring. The narrative will see AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, with Dunbar's Superintendent Hastings joining returning cast members Martin Compston as DI Steve Arnott and Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming.
This development ensures that while Ridley may have reached its conclusion, Adrian Dunbar's presence in British television drama remains strong, with his return to one of the most popular police series in recent memory.
